Hope you are ok, we did not get the snow but it will be -17 tomorrow. The schools are closing as well as the grocery stores will close early. Was hoping I would receive a call from my boss not to come in but it never happened:rolleyes::rolleyes:
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Hope you are ok, we did not get the snow but it will be -17 tomorrow. The schools are closing as well as the grocery stores will close early. Was hoping I would receive a call from my boss not to come in but it never happened:rolleyes::rolleyes:
Hi Patti,
I didn't see your post today. You must be having a very busy day, taking care of Tipper, Toby, Elvis (love his name) and your neighbor's cat. Were you able to walk Tipper today? It's still pretty cold here today. I hope you and Tipper had a better night last night. Will check back later to read your today's post. Take care. :)
We must not forget Lucky, Chance and the goldfish. 2 dogs, 2 cats, 1 bird, and goldfish. Now the neighbor's cat next door. I feel for the cat, but leave it at home! You'll have a riot of unprecedented proportions! :D I hope you are okay. We are used to you checking in EVERY morning. xxxxx
Patti, my apology to Lucky, Chance and your goldfish. It totally skipped my mind. It seems like it's happening more and more, like forgetting things.:eek: I was even admiring your beautiful cat mansion the other day.:o I'd like to volunteer myself for not remembering some family members from time to time. Sorry Sophie, I know I forgot about you a while ago. I will try to get things straightened out with time.;)
Hi Everyone:
I had an emergency, I will be on later an explain everything is ok. Blessings
Patti
Ok here we go. My elderly lady neighbor that I look out for did not answer her phone. I got Tipper all bundled up and went up the street to her house. I could hear her tv on and saw the lights. I banged on the doo, but no answer. Keep banging and tried the doo knob, and glory be it was open. There she was laid back in her recliner, with blood everywhere. I tied Tipper as she has a cat. Checked her pulse she had a weak one, called the ambulance and they were there in 3 minutes. We went up to the hospital and I sat there with Tipper on my lap. Two specialists examined her, and the cancer is back with a vengeance. They found a tumor, and I guess it had just let lose and bled. They let me see her thru the doorway and she was very frightened and calling out for me, so she got Tipper really rattled. I left and they took her by ambulance to the Cleveland Clinic 2 hours away. I ran up and fed the cat left the lite on and the tv for her. Ran back home and I guess they will operate tonite. I am waiting for the hospital to call me. Our roads are hazardous to say the least, sheets of ice from rain and snow all nite. The wind is unreal it is 20 below they said and worse tomorrow. Tipper blood appt. was cancelled by my vet, because he is afraid of the transport in these temps. Also her laser therapy she desperately needs has to be cancelled. I have her on a heating pad right now. The ice packs were too much for her and she moaned, so we went to heat and she is happy. I can feel the terrible frigid temps even coming thru my windows. It will be worse here tomorrow as tonite is lake effect snow. Sorry I did not get to read your posts, but please say a prayer for my elderly neighbor, her name is Delora. God Bless her she is 82. Blessings
Patti
Patti I have just read every post you have written that I Have missed, I haven't been getting any alerts and so I logged in to see how you are, I hope your neighbour will be OK and Tipper too, you have SO much going on. PLEASE look after yourself too. Much Love Diana & Teddy x
Oh thank god you were there Patti. It is unthinkable what would have happened if you had not gone over. Truly, bless you.
Oh poor Tipper. I am sure this weather is hard on her. I am taking molly out only very minimal into the back yard to do her business as there is at least some wind breaks back there. She isn't happy, but it's dangerous out the front.
I hope everything goes okay with the surgery tonight. Shame on her son for talking her out of chemo. :(
hang in there Patti! You done good.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
lots of strenght for you, tipper and your neighbour. hope the weather will improve!
OMG Patti!
How scary! I hope that your neighbor pulls through and boy, someone should blast her son for convincing her not to do chemo. That makes me so angry. Elderly are not dispensable.
We're expecting the minus 17 temps too and it might go as low as -25/-30 which is unheard of in CT.
Please be safe and stay warm.
Patti, Your neighbor is so lucky to have someone like you watching out for her. Hope she comes through the surgery just fine.
This weather is terrible.
Hugs and prayers to you and Tipper.
Hi Everyone:
Well more problems. I went to feed the cat this morning and her water pipes are frozen. I had to comeback home to get water and take up. The cat is crying for her, but knows me well as I clip her nails so that is one good thing. I have asked my other elderly neighbor man that I help also if Delora is in the hospital for any extended time if he could take the cat and I would come feed it etc. but it would have company. It cannot stay alone for a long period of time. I have called a maintenance man I know to help with her pipes. I talked to her last nite and she is very scared. They did a scan, of her abdomen, and today a biopsy and exam which they will put her out for. Then I guess they know what they are removing, it sounds complicated from what the nurse said. I forgot to tell everyone that her son who is a Pastor has very little if anything to do with her. She is virtually alone, and he left her go to Cleveland in an ambulance alone. I could not go because of Tipper and she understood. He has been her maybe 3-4 times this past year. He was supposed to let some water drip in her house so the pipes did not freeze, but so much for that as he never went there. I called him the morning and he acted like he did not want to be bothered, and probably ahs attitude with me because I do not call him Pastor I call him by his first name, as I believe he is no pastor to do this to his 82 year old mother, he is a phony to his congregation as far as I am concerned. I know he has a seat in hell. Anyway Delora took it upon herself to give all the neighbors my phone number. They were calling last nite as I tried to rest with Tipper. Last nite Tipper did not sleep well again and all over the bed. This morning her bad leg froze up on her outside and I had to get her off the ground and carry her in the house. It would not move, and she kept trying to kick with it maybe to get it going. The cold packs are too much for her so we went to heat, and she likes that better. I just called the laser therapy and got her another appointment for Thursday when it is to be warmer. I am very concerned over this leg. She sits and sticks it out to the side and it looks like a broken leg when you look at her. This is a lot for me to handle taking care of my neighbors things with Tipper not well at all. Last nite she had a terrible seizure that shook her whole body she was up against me and it woke me up. It seems they are progressively getting worse. I have some good footage on my IPhone to show the Dr. I found one segment that is only a few minutes long that he can look at right on my phone. I will get Vicki to edit them later for UTube so I can post them as they may help someone on here. I don't want to tamper with the phone right now and lose them. I am exhausted as I went back up to the neighbors yesterday and cleaned all the blood up off her chair and floor, and got things cleaned up. Good thing I did it before the water froze up. The wind is relentless here today, I think we are at 17 below zero right now. So much for the polar vortex, hope never to see it again in my lifetime. I tried to put on Tipper's snow suit, but her leg is so bad she would not let me, so I put her coat on. It takes 10 minutes to get her ready to go out for 2 minutes. She wants to stand and breathe the air out there! Hope everyone stays safe and warm, and the babies are all safe after having to go out in this weather. Blessings
Patti
Oh that is just terrible about your neighbors son! :( Did your other neighbor say if he would take the cat to give it company?
You are a godsend to your neighbors Patti.
Poor Tipper, sounds like her leg is really bothering her, and I am sure this cold isn't helping any. :(
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Hi Everyone:
Well it's not looking too good for my neighbor. They found a mass bigger than a golf ball, and now found some things on her lungs. She is very worried and rightfully so. My maintenance guy got the pipes going and only charged 20.00, so that was good. My neighbor called and they are sending her home for 3 days while they wait for the biopsies etc. They said there is no sense keeping her in there laying around while they wait for results. They are giving her a colonoscopy today, along with bladder tests, etc. I am sure they are worried about where this has gone. The poor thing has not eaten all morning waiting for the tests and she is starving. In an effort to cover his___ the son who was supposed to check her pipes last nite and use precautionary measures, has told her she will be staying at his house. He does not know my guy got the pipes thawed out and does not want his mother to know he lied about going to her house. She called me crying and does not want to go there. I told her to come home with her cat and I will check her and make her supper and help her. She said I don't want to stay at his house, I told her to tell him she insists on going home. I think she is sick of his abuse. Tipper is fatter than ever , I need to help her somehow. She is not walking and that has contributed to it. Her leg is really bothering her today form all this cold. I wish I had a button to press that would take her back to when she was a puppy. If I only could. Blessings
Patti
Oh Patti I am so sorry about Delora, I hope they can help her somehow.
She, and all your other neighbours are SO blessed to have you, it's not like you haven't enough on your own plate, looking after Tipper and your other babies, and also having your own health to think of.
You are ONE in a trillion billion
Lots of love Diana & Teddy x
I think she should go where she wants to go at this point. So, home to her own cat and things and where she is most comfortable. She has 3 days, it's not that long of time when you think about what it might mean.
It is wonderful of you to think of her too, and volunteer to help and do dinner. This is a rough time for you too.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Patti, you have a heart of gold, but you HAVE TO start delegating some of your responsibilities or let some things go! You exhaust me just reading about your every day life. :o No one can juggle so many things without something eventually giving out. I am hoping that something doesn't end up being your health. No one would take care of your babies as well as you do. I help out whenever I can, but also know that I have to be realistic as to what I can do. Please give this some thought. xxxxxx
hi patti, i agree with budsters'mom you have to take care of yourself and tipper and your other animals first. what if you get ill, who will take care of you and tipper? i had to learn too to be more "'selfish"' but since we are alone we are the only caretakers of our pets and ourselves we have to. my job is to take care of elderly/sick people at home so they can stay home for a longer time. [ i do this in the morning and take care of families with problemkids in the afternoon]. does this excists in the usa too? they also supply meals or cook/prepare it at home and/or do the groceries. so the neighbours/family do not have to do this. overhere the hospital does the intake and when the person comes home it will be arranged. hopefully this is possible for you and your neighbour.
hi patti, i just heared on the dutch news that they are keeping the penguins and icebears indoors at pittsburg zoo because of the cold weather......
Patti,
please visit this link and contact them tomorrow on your neighbor's behalf. We used them in CT for mom and dad and the social worker set everything up.
Be sure to tell them about her abusive son! I can guarantee that if she stays at his house she won't get the care that she needs and you can't do this.
These agencies take insurance and Medicare has special provisions and coverage for people like your friend in possibly terminal situation. Contrary to what people believe, a person can be covered under hospice provisions and stay at home for as long as needed. It is the diagnosis that determines eligibility not the length of time of the illness.
To begin VNA home healthcare services, just call 216-931-1400 or 1-877-698-6264 and speak with a nurse.
Please call them tomorrow and they'll probably send a social worker and a nurse to evaluate your friend when she gets home.
http://www.vnaohio.org/our-services-hospice.html
Hi Everyone:
Had to go to the vets with Tipper this morning. Some one did not show for work so Tipper's bp could not be taken. That really steamed me as they know she comes every Wed. morning and it was very frigid and windy for me to take her out. No consideration what so ever. I have to go out later as I need some groceries. I will get my girl to sit Tipper . I won't be gone long. Valerie thank you for that information I will be using I am sure. The bad news now is that when I called the hospital this morning Delora was crying and telling me her son would be there in 5 minutes to get her and take her to his house. She said she would call me from there. Her poor kitty is crying for her. My other elderly neighbor may take the kitty if necessary, I approached him with the idea so I will see. Last nite I was ready to fall asleep which I really need and her done called me. Thanking me and apologizing to me etc. for all I do for her. HE is just trying to cover his butt as he knows I know all this and he is afraid I am going to spill the beans on him. He has never called me the whole 6 years I have helped her. He wants to keep her at home so I don't put any ideas in her head about him. I am wise to his underhanded stuff. So I got the report on her finally, she has cancer really bad and it went to her lungs also. Don't know just yet if her son will let them operate or just bring her home and let her die. She is a burden to him and he wants that burden gone. I don't even know if this cancer is operable etc. I am just sick today and Tipper did not have a good nite. I am going to stop at my vets on the way to the grocery as he will be in then and show him the video on my phone. We are to get snowstorms both back to back days I have to go to Pittsburgh, I cannot catch a break here. My urologist just called, said he is giving me and RX to take for two weeks and go to the hospital for more blood work. This is medicine to dissolve the stone, then I will have another ultra sound. So I get to cancel my appointment for this Monday thank God. Tipper started with the seizure activity as soon as she fell asleep last nite. I kept waking her to make it stop so neither of us slept well. I am so glad I am seeing the Neurologist next week too. I need to know she is safe and not be afraid of something happening to her at nite, this has been a nightmare. Oh where is the money tree????? Blessings
Patti
Patti - I'll be praying a money tree grows in your yard! And, all of our yards, hehe!
I am sorry things are so tough right now. Just keep positive.
So sorry to read things continue to be tough. You are very kind to look out for your neighbours I hope that something that can be done to help Delora
Hoping you can try and use the care credit to cover the trips next week as I can't imagine how much you have spent recently on all the tests and medication changes.
Am thinking of you both, sending big hugs and kisses to Tipper the Ripper. And some decent weather, although you don't want ours as it's constant wind and rain :D
Mel
Xxxx
Hi Patti,
Trying to catch up on posts. Haven't been on for a bit. So sad about your neighbor. You are so kind to be helping the way you do. Her son sounds like a louse.
I'm sorry to hear Tipper is having seizures. The weight is an issue for Trixie as well. Even though Trixie is controlled she still seems to have a big appetite, and now it's a few days without really good exercise. People keep asking me if Trixie has gained weight. She was pretty slender before Cushings. I have been starting to cut back a bit on her portions. We'll see she can lose a pound or two but with this cold weather she has had zero long walks. It sounds like we may get to go tomorrow morning. Hopefully we'll be in the 20's at least.
Hoping all your babies are doing okay during this polar weather!
Barbara
i hope the neighbour will take her cat so he has a home and you don't have to take care of her anymore.
i am sorry , that you went all the way to the vet for nothing in this weather......
i hope your kidney stone will dissolve very fast with the medication.
and all the worries go on about tipper, hope the neurologist can help you after watching the video.
sleep well.
Patti, I would call 211 and explain the situation and how your neighbor's son forced her to go to his home. They'll send someone over there asap.
Good luck with the upcoming appointments! I know all about having to reschedule appointments, we changed Daisy's twice.
Hi Everyone:
Well a mixed bag of news to report today. First off I went tot he grocery store yesterday and stopped at the vets on the way. I showed him the footage of Tipper on my phone. I could see the concern in his face as he was watching it. He said this is definitely seizures. So I am not crazy and I am glad I kept on this until I found out what it was. He said the footage is all the neurologist needs to see. He was surprised when I told him this was one of the minor episodes she has. He could not get over her body jumping, especially her stomach. It seems she is starting this as soon as she falls asleep now. When she lays flat it doesn't happen as much and that is cause she is laying on her stomach. Last night she laid flat with her feet out like a frog as she always does. I could feel the rear legs just jerking underneath her. Very few times does it involve the front legs. She was up at 5am again and I was tired but took her out and she did lay back down for 40 minutes. She has been making a lot of noise again while breathing at nite and trying to clear her throat a lot. I cannot give her the antihistamine that the IMS suggested, as I read if you have seizures do not use this medication. I was giving this to her before too! God there are so many twists and turns you can't keep track of them with this disease. She is going to laser therapy today for her leg so I am taking the muzzle in the event we need it. She really needs this leg worked on good. My neighbor Delora called me yesterday and was talking strangely. After a few minutes I realized her son must be listening to her and she was trying to tell me in her own way. He is bringing her home on Friday , as I told her the cat is crying for her. I will help her until the hospital calls her and I will be in touch with some agencies to help her that Valerie gave me. The cat will be so glad she is home, as she is used to Delora being home every day as she does not drive and goes no where. The cancer is in her lungs, bladder, and vagina. The poor thing may not be here long, and I will not let her son take that cat as he will shoot it. He hates animals. I have to find it a safe place for a home if something happens to her and get it out of the house before he has a chance to take it. I am so sorry this is happening to her, she has had a hard life since her husband passed away and left her alone. She is not self sufficient by any means as he did everything for her which is bad as she knows nothing now. Life can be so cruel to some. Blessings
Patti
This story you have told sure makes me stop and count my blessings Patti. You are an angel to have helped this lady so much.
Good luck with Tippers therapy, you might not see any difference for a few weeks, but I'm hoping the improvement is quick.
Judi:
The reason why she got this cancer back and it spread everywhere was because her son would not let her undergo chemo the first time. She listened to him, and God bless her she does not realize he considers her a burden and is not looking out for her best interests. Just goes to show you, just because they are family don't always put your trust in them.
Oh my gas has gone up terrible here. I just went to a place that sells it cheaper to fill up the car as we have those two trips to Pittsburgh early next week. This gas is costing a fortune anymore. I am getting anxious about Tipper having all these major things looked at next week. I honestly don't think I can handle any more bad news about her. I cannot wait until her laser treatment so she can get some relief from this leg. I called the Dr.'s office in Pittsburgh to ask if she can walk a few short walks and if that will make it worse. They told me walking is ok it will not make it worse unless she over does it. She looks so bad compared to what she used to look like, I cry when I look at her, I just can't stop it. I am sad to the deepest part of my sole that my wonderful girl has to endure this. Blessings
Patti
Hi Everyone:
Well I got some good news today to report. The laser therapist said she can have Tipper good as new, but must see her every week for 4-5 weeks. I can deal with that. Also she told me the other vet there does the operation with the fishing line also, if for some strange reason this does not work. She said her min pin did the same thing and she got him fixed and he is the top min pin in agility in the U.S. So I was happy to hear she has hope Tipper will once again be walking right. She said to walk her on her walks, do the figure 8's and circles. If she starts to limp, stop everything. She said heat on the flank only, not near the knee as it will get inflamed more. I am waiting to hear from my neighbor lady. Blessings
Patti
Patti,
finally some good news :)
I'm so sorry about your neighbor. Please do call those numbers. The faster you get her help, the better. As she gets sicker, she'll need more and you just can't do it Patti. As much as you want to/ They'll also periodically assess her and what she needs.
I'm glad that Tipper can walk, that should help her.
finally some good news about tippers leg. the walks will keep/make her muscles strong[er]. and keep her in a better mood i quess.
maybe you can go for longer walks when spring arrives.
does she like to swim? mine do and it is good for the ligaments too.
it is a pity, their looks do change so much because of the muscle loss. they really look different don't they? and old.
hope you get some more good news next week.
Hi Everyone:
Well Tipper was restless last nite in bed and something woke me up suddenly and I am thinking it was her having a bigger seizure and she must have shaken me. This is getting scary that they are getting bigger and all the time now. I cannot wait to show the neurologist this video. I am starting to get myself sick and not want to eat to much. I am already worrying about next weeks results as much as I try not to and keep it off my mind I can't. I am going to have to make it my job that day to make sure everyone in that hospital that touches her knows about her rear leg. I do not need some tech or someone hurting her any further. We are to get a snow storm both days I go to Pittsburgh too, real fun I guess I am in for. Tipper seemed really annoyed and wanted to nip the laser therapist yesterday, but I held her head and she could only bite me then, which she didn't. If they get intense laser therapy it usually makes them sleepy, but she was restless as I think it was paining her. She is continuing to do a lot of that swallowing again and clearing of her throat, I think she is getting some kind of drainage from some where. My neighbor did not call me yesterday and I do not know her son's home phone number and it is not listed. She is to be brought home today so I will know what to do after I talk with her as far as getting her help. I am sure her son is trying to keep her away from where she can talk to people. The cat is crying out for her, and I feel sorry for it. My other neighbor said he will watch it if they put her back in the hospital. The Dr.'s are to talk with her and her son on the 17th. They wait their good old time don't they? I am getting the impression from all of this that there is not going to be many options. I have been praying for her. I got the chair and the floor cleaned up for her, and the water is still unfrozen, so that is good. I am not going to mention it to her as she has been upset enough. I will just go up several times and check on her, and take her supper. She will have to remain sedentary for the most part until the 17th. She likes to watch tv anyway. The cat will be so glad to see her. There is a thing here called meals on wheels where they deliver food to the elderly so I may get her to do that too after the 17th decision. It is a terrible thing to be in her position so I feel for her. Blessings
Patti
Patti,
I can only imagine your worry about these seizures. I mean a nothing, little ear infection kept me worrying about Trixie last night, so I understand how badly you feel and what a struggle it is to be worried day after day. If only these dogs could talk and tell us how they feel! What always worries me is how stoic they are...they don't let on much about pain and discomfort. It's all the watching and picking up the signs.
It takes over and you find yourself glued to their every move..it's not easy and you can't concentrate on anything else.
You should be getting back good karma in buckets for your devotion and kindness for you neighbor. Poor thing...too bad her son is part of the picture. I hope the cat will be okay...hate to think of that cat crying for her. So sad.
I'm sure she is totally qualified to get meals on wheels...that would be good for her!!
Barbara
Hi Everyone:
Tipper slept ok last nite, not too many seizures. She is getting around a little better on her leg after the laser therapy. She has her leg worked on really good. She also does laser acupuncture after the regular therapy. Than God I can take her there and that there is a place for this around here. I tried to find hydrotherapy but there is none anywhere. She wanted to jump on the bed yesterday, so she still has not learned her lesson. I may have to build a fortress around the bed to keep her off permanently after this 45 days is up. It is pouring down rain here and melting off all the snow. Monday a new system comes in with more snow. My neighbor called me yesterday telling me she will not be coming home until sometime this weekend. the cat is crying for her, it is a pitiful situation. Hopefully she will come home today, and the cat will be happy. I am sure her son could care less about the cat being alone. Well Friday will tell the tale of what happens with her and I will go from there and see what help I can get for her. I am anxious about the testing for Tipper next week, it has been making me nervous, and jumpy. I am praying for my girl to have good results as I do not know what I will do if not. Please keep my Tipper in your prayers. Blessings
Patti
I wish I had a neighbor like you! Wanna move to ARK?! :D
She's a keeper neighbor eh Leslie :) I hope your neighbors realize how lucky they are to have someone who cares living around them.
Interesting, Tipper got around better, had a good laser session and had less seizures last night. Something to wonder about? Correlation between seizures and pain tolerance? hmmm.. I know less than squat about seizures, just to be up front, but that just jumped out at me so I wondered.
glad to hear that tippers leg is improving. hydrotherapy facilities for dogs are also rare in my country. does tipper like to swim?
hope the testresults will be ok next week.
maybe you can walk tipper as long as the snow is gone? keeps her muscles in shape.
hope you both can sleep well tonight.
Patti,
I know how scary these seizures are. I'm glad that Tipper's leg is improving!
We had a mini poodle who had seizures that were so severe that she let out the loudest howl and no matter where we were in the house we heard it and all came running. She passed away 11 - 12 years ago and it wasn't until talking with a friend recently that I learned what they were. It got to the point where I didn't sleep because I knew that to expect so I stayed awake and waited.
Her vets assumed that something was wrong with her back and that it was going out. Needless to say, we don't use those vets anymore :(
Good luck with the tests!
Hi Everyone:
Not too bad of a nite, Tipper did have some seizure activity. It seems that she is sleeping much deeper too as it is hard for me to wake her sometimes. Before all this if you even moved your eyelids she was up. Her leg is coming along, but I am having a time keeping her in check. She still wants to run, jump, and yes do the Jack Russell springy repeated jumps. She is a handful and not making this easy on her mom. Sharlene there may be something to her not having as many seizures after laser therapy. The therapist told me it makes them really tired when starting the therapy for the first time, and during extensive therapy. It gets all the cells energized and makes them tired. I would have to stay up all nite and watch her which I might do one nite soon, as I think when she gets really in her deep sleep cycle there are not as many seizures, I have to stay up to really tell. Either that or I am sleeping and do not hear or see what is going on, so it is hard to say for sure. It stopped raining enough yesterday for her to walk. I walked her slow and she did ok. I am confident in the experience of this therapist to get Tipper better. God bless her as my Tipper needs the help badly. One of my other neighbors dies yesterday from the flu!! In her 60's and went down hill fast. I saw on the national news many people are dying from this flu, and there were many younger ones included. Delora called me yesterday- well her son did and gave her the phone and stood there and listened to her. She will be home today after church, The cat will be so glad to see her. She is staying home until next Thursday and then she will go to her sons who will take her back to the Cleveland Clinic on Friday to speak to the Dr.'s. That is going to be decision time then about the cat and about getting her help. I am glad all this with Tipper will be done by then, as Tipper is my first priority. I am praying there is something they can do for her, but in the back of my mind is a lot of doubt. It is dark and drizzling here this morning, supposed to have rain again today then changing back to snow tomorrow. I am in touch with my other elderly neighbor daily to make sure he is ok and he has assured me he will look after the cat. Who knows what will happen, maybe he will like it and end up keeping it if that's how things turn out. I already had something planned for supper where there is enough for both of them. I try to pay things forward in the hopes some other neighbors will follow and help someone they know living by them. Hoping for a quiet day here as next week will be a stressful one. Blessings
Patti